Winter is approaching, and with it, the potential for high winds, heavy snow and ice storms. Such weather conditions can spell trouble. Bad weather conditions may cause tree limbs to break and fall, sometimes resulting in personal injury and significant financial loss, therefore it is very important to review proper tree-planting, maintenance and inspection techniques as winter weather arrives this year. You should start thinking about tree safety when you plant a tree. It is best to contact your local forester, nursery or landscape firm for advice on the types of trees that best suit your area, and for tips on proper planting. It is also important to learn proper tree-pruning techniques, and to avoid “hat racking,” or over-pruning a tree, which can significantly weaken it.
It is recommended that you have the trees on your property professionally inspected every five years, and that you routinely check for signs of trouble (such as dead, diseased or hollow trunks and branches, or branches that hang over buildings or touch power lines).
When the weather calms down, remember to make sure your property is properly cleaned up.
Here are a few post-storm tips to remember:
- Have any uprooted trees removed.
- Cut any remaining tree stumps flush with the ground.
- Inspect trees and limbs for signs of damage.
- Remove broken or torn limbs to prevent further damage.
- Prune damaged trees enough to balance any root loss.
It’s also important to check the soil around your trees for damage, since this could mean the tree is in danger of falling down.
Written in conjunction with John Plunkett, Farmers Insurance Publications Specialist
